Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 12

Wisconsin Badgers (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten)

Ranking: 1

LW: 1

Move: —

The Badgers hosted Big Ten power Michigan and took them to task, outscoring the Wolverines 17-3 in the second half. Wisconsin will look to tune up next weekend before the Big Ten Championship.

Next Week: @ Minnesota

Ohio State Buckeyes (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten)

Ranking: 2

LW: 2

Move: —

The Buckeyes played a young Illinois squad and, for all intents and purposes, beat them in every form Saturday. The Buckeyes secured a spot in the Big Ten Championship with the victory.

Next Week: @ Michigan

Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 3

LW: 3

Move: —

Penn State got into a surprising shootout with Nebraska, yet emerged victorious. Heisman hopeful Saquon Barkley set the school touchdown record in the win.

Next Week: @ Maryland

Michigan State Spartans (8-3, 6-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 4

LW: 4

Move: —

Michigan State grounded out a win against Maryland to improve to an 8-win team in the Big Ten. The Spartans were clearly the surprise in the conference this season.

Next Week: @ Rutgers

Northwestern Wildcats (8-3, 6-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 5

LW: 6

Move: UP 1

After critiquing Northwestern last week for winning the majority of its games by one possession or less, Pat Fitzgerald’s team goes out and routs Minnesota, 39-0. You are welcome, Wildcats fans.

Next Week: @ Illinois for the LOLhat

Michigan Wolverines (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten)

Ranking: 6

LW: 5

Move: DOWN 1

The Harbaugh-led Wolverines and their stout defense were unable to keep Wisconsin at bay and gave up the second most points they have all season. I’m sure some fans will call for his firing. You are all dumb.

Next Week: vs Ohio State

Iowa Hawkeyes (6-5, 3-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 7

LW: 7

Move: —

Remember when Iowa was ranked? That was before two straight losses. To be fair, they were a bit overrated.

Next Week: @ Nebraska

Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 8

LW: 8

Move: —

One week after a great showing, Minnesota goes out a lays an egg against Northwestern. This is why the Gophers can’t have nice things.

Next Week: vs Wisconsin

Purdue Boilermakers (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 9

LW: 11

Move: UP 2

Purdue won at Iowa, and can next week advance to its first bowl game since 2012 with a win next weekend.

Next Week: vs Indiana

Indiana Hoosiers (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 10

LW: 13

Move: UP 3

Indiana went from winless in the Big Ten to two straight big wins in conference play. The Hoosiers may be on the rise for 2018.

Next Week: @ Purdue

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-7, 3-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 11

LW: 9

Move: DOWN 2

A 41-0 loss against Indiana won’t help the Scarlet Knights psyche, but, on the good side, five wins in some seasons is enough for a bowl game.

Next Week: vs Michigan State

Maryland Terrapins (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 12

LW: 10

Move: DOWN 2

The Terrapins actually played well against Michigan State, losing 17-7. Maryland will look to end its season on a high note with a huge upset win to close 2017 next weekend.

Next Week: vs Penn State

Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-7, 3-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 13

LW: 12

Move: DOWN 1

Is Mike Riley still employed? #CubitsToNebraska

Next Week: vs Iowa

Illinois Fighting Illini (2-9, 0-8 Big Ten)

Ranking: 14

LW: 14

Move: —

WE COVERED THE SPREAD!!!! And we scored more on Ohio State than Michigan State. That should be worth something, right?

Next Week: vs. Evanston’s Big Ten Team